Dispelling Common Cancer Myths: Facts vs. Fiction

7 min read | Last Updated: 12 June 2025 | Published On: 12 June 2025

Cancer is one of the most feared diseases—and where fear grows, misinformation often follows. From viral social-media posts to word-of-mouth advice, myths about cancer can create unnecessary anxiety, steer people toward poor health choices, or even delay lifesaving medical care. Let’s clear the air by dissecting five of the most persistent myths, explaining why they’re false, and backing up the facts with solid evidence.

Myth 1: “Sugar Feeds Cancer”

Where the myth comes from : Cancer cells do consume more glucose than healthy cells—a difference doctors exploit in PET scans—but that observation morphed into the misconception that dietary sugar directly “feeds” tumours.

The truth : Every cell in your body—brain, muscles, and organs included—relies on glucose. Cutting sugar completely doesn’t starve cancer; it simply robs you of energy. What does matter is total calorie balance: excess added sugar can drive obesity, and obesity raises the risk of several cancers (breast, colon, pancreatic, and more).

What you should do :

• Prioritise whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense carbs.
• Limit highly processed “added-sugar” foods (soft drinks, sweets, pastries).
• Don’t fear naturally occurring sugars in fruit or dairy.

Myth 2: “Cancer Is Always Genetic—No Family History Means I’m Safe”

Where the myth comes from : High-profile hereditary cancers (e.g., BRCA mutations and breast cancer) give the impression that genes are destiny.

The truth : Only about 5-10 % of cancers stem from inherited mutations. The vast majority arise from lifestyle factors (smoking, inactivity, diet), environmental exposures (UV radiation, pollution, workplace chemicals), or random cell-division errors—simple biological “bad luck.”

What you should do :

• Keep up with age-appropriate screenings even if nobody in your family has had cancer.
• Adopt preventive habits: don’t smoke, move daily, eat a balanced diet, and use sunscreen.

Myth 3: “Superfoods Can Cure Cancer”

Where the myth comes from : Anecdotes online suggest turmeric shots, alkaline water, or all-fruit diets have “cured” people.

The truth : No single food cures cancer. Turmeric and berries contain helpful antioxidants, but they can’t replace surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation. Delaying proven treatment in favour of unverified “natural” products can let cancer spread.

What you should do :

• Eat a varied, plant-forward diet to support overall health and recovery.
• Discuss any supplements with your oncologist to avoid harmful interactions.
• Stay sceptical of products that promise a cure without clinical evidence.

Myth 4: “Biopsies Cause Cancer to Spread”

Where the myth comes from : Some patients worry a needle or surgical incision might “release” tumour cells into the bloodstream.

The truth : Modern biopsy techniques are designed to prevent that. Decades of data show biopsies do not increase metastasis risk. Instead, they’re critical for confirming diagnosis, guiding targeted therapies, and avoiding overtreatment.

What you should do :

• Proceed with a recommended biopsy; the diagnostic benefit far outweighs negligible risk.
• Ask your care team about technique (core needle, excisional, etc.) if you have concerns.

Myth 5: “Only Smokers Get Lung Cancer”

Where the myth comes from : Because smoking is the top cause, many people assume non-smokers are immune.

The truth : Roughly 10-20 % of lung-cancer patients have never smoked. Risk can also come from second-hand smoke, radon gas, air pollution, and certain genetic factors.

What you should do :

• Test your home for radon—an invisible, odourless gas and the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
• Stay alert to persistent cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath, even if you’ve never lit a cigarette.

Final Thoughts

Misinformation fuels fear and can delay lifesaving treatment. Whenever you hear something that sounds alarming—or too good to be true—verify it with reputable sources (peer-reviewed studies, major cancer organisations) or your doctor. Knowledge is power, but only when it’s accurate.